Project Feature | Il Delfino
WELCOME TO
IL DELFINO
A colourful, thoughtfully restored 1948 Seaside Inn, located on the Northern NSW coast in Yamba, where Mediterranean Coastal design takes centre stage. Crafted to feel like a welcoming retreat, Il Delfino balances vintage and modern elements, creating a sanctuary that reflects its tranquil landscape. In this exclusive interview with owner and creator Sheree Commerford, we delve into the Mediterranean vision behind Il Delfino's transformation and explore the role our lighting plays.
"Inspirations for Il Delfino's next chapter lay in reminiscences of my childhood, spent here on the verge of the ocean, together with family travels, staying in old guesthouses and inns along the Mediterranean coast, and the building itself - its location and original design."
- Sheree Commerford
"Inspirations for Il Delfino's next chapter lay in reminiscences of my childhood, spent here on the verge of the ocean, together with family travels, staying in old guesthouses and inns along the Mediterranean coast, and the building itself - its location and original design."
- Sheree Commerford
How did you curate the Mediterranean style/mood? How did you achieve the look?
It wasn’t a modern Mediterranean style so the look had to have that authentic feeling of effortless design that comes with the passing of time. A conscious effort to find a balance between remaining true to the era while still offering a completely definable and unique style for the project.
Any tips, tricks or guidance for aspiring designers wanting to achieve the Mediterranean style/look?
Always blend old and new elements. From materials to hardware. Traditional balanced with modern touches. Art is essential; draw inspiration from authentic Mediterranean architecture and influences rather than fleeting trends. Being authentic is key. Learning to not fill the space rather than adding can have equal impact and is in fact harder to master in my opinion. Think old school elegance with a fresh unique approach.
Inspired by the Italian phrase "alla spiaggia" - meaning "to the beach" - ll Delfino invites guests to embrace a slower pace, enjoying sun-drenched days and peaceful evenings by the sea.
Why Il Delfino? What was the vision behind this project?
Il Delfino, meaning "Dolphin" in Italian, is named after the pod of dolphins that live in the ocean out front. This place feels like their home, and we are the guests. I feel a deep connection to them; if a day passes without seeing them, I start to worry.
The icon for Il Delfino is inspired by the Nereids from Greek mythology, goddesses of the sea who protect sailors and fishermen, often depicted riding dolphins. It’s a comforting thought that they watch over the waters where Il Delfino resides.
What were the key elements to develop the mediterranean style of Il Delfino?
Key elements include the striking half-round clay terracotta roof tiles from France, which frame ocean views and create a timeless silhouette. A rough microcement exterior complements the original beadwork, merging historical and modern textures. Inside, restored floorboards maintain their rich patina, enhanced by hand-painted panels for a cohesive look. Handmade terracotta tiles on the balconies contrast with weathered cement walkways, while local stonework enriches the property’s character and charm.
What do you hope people will feel when in the space?
Each suite embodies the charm of an old school guest house, restored to feel like a private home. We want you to feel a sense of stepping back in time, to feel the beauty of the spaces and the magic of the incredible nature that frames you.
How have you used lighting? Why these pieces, what is their purpose? What mood do they help create?
Lighting is everything—it shapes the mood and design, and it’s a key factor in translating the experience we want for our guests. For Il Delfino, we chose a unique combination of traditional Italian lighting made in Italy, marine fixtures, and vintage pieces. This unexpected mix feels true to the building and the location.
The traditional Italian style lighting brings authenticity and a timeless feel, and I spent a lot of time ensuring we found lights made in the old way—handmade and ceramic. These were essential to the language of Il Delfino.
The marine wall lights in the bedrooms speak to the original building and location, adding an elevated textural element with the brass, while the vintage lighting became more of a design feature, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space. A standout feature is the shell wall sconces, which set a mood and create a charming old-school coastal Mediterranean feel.
What’s next, do you have anything on the horizon for 2025?
We will complete Stage 2 in 2025, which will include the oceanfront sun deck with direct beach access, very exciting. We’re committed to applying everything we've learned from 2024 to perfect the Il Delfino experience for our guests. By listening to them, we aim to create an iconic stay on the North Coast that truly captures the essence of this very special place.
Owner & Creator: Sheree Commerford
Photographer: Anna Pihan
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